CHICAGO – A new survey by Retale, a location-based mobile platform to connect shoppers with retailers, has announced the results of a commissioned study focusing on consumers’ anticipated shopping behavior during the coming holiday season, particularly their use of mobile devices.

According to the survey, 82% of consumers plan to spend the same amount or more on holiday spending compared to last year. And with 60% of surveyed shoppers saying that they wait until November to begin buying, retailers should be prepared.

The growing trend seen in this survey is use of mobile devices for holiday shopping. Among those owning a mobile device, 73% plan to use them for holiday shopping, most commonly for finding deals (97%), comparing prices (96%), researching products (96%), accessing coupons (92%), finding stores (89%) and buying directly from the device (85%).

On average, 60% of these activities take place both in and out of stores as mobile devices are increasingly used to support both experiences.

“During the holiday season, mobile is increasingly critical for shoppers, whether in-store or out,” said Pat Dermody, president of Retale. “There is no doubt that mobile must be a part of everyone’s holiday strategy, from giving customers an opportunity to find deals to helping them find your stores to buying from their devices, mobile is where it’s at this year.”